Q: My 14-month-old screams in pain when pooping. What could be wrong?

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Question:

My 14-month-old started having very painful bowel movements right after we switched from formula to cow's milk at one year old. On cow's milk, her stools turned white. We switched her to almond milk about a month ago, and while the color is normal now, the pain continues.

She screams and is inconsolable after pooping. Her stools can be either tiny, hard pebbles or soft, so it doesn't seem to be just a hardness issue. She poops daily, sometimes multiple times, and there's no blood or mucus. She had no issues with breast milk or formula. She eats solids and purees, drinks water, and has a little juice. I'm waiting to see a pediatrician, but I'm worried about why she's in so much pain. What could be causing this?

Answer:

Since you mentioned white poops on cow's milk and the problem started when you introduced milk, it might be worth trying a hypoallergenic formula for a bit, even though it's not a typical milk protein allergy presentation for her. Sometimes sensitivities can show up differently.

Also, please check if there are any other skin symptoms present.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us